That's a lot of $$$. Just to warn you Monterey Bay is not a tropical paradise. Our swell runs 3-5 every day and the water is a constant 52 degrees. You will get a handful of perfect flat days a year. The most sheltered area's are over by Cannery Row and the Coast Guard "breakwater". Stay away from the otters, they have their own Navy called Fish & Game. The coast is lined with "lookout" old ladies that will report you for even looking at one <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Over by the Aquarium is a nice beach but It's restricted, Hopkins Marine Station, part of Stanford's research. It ringed in yellow buoyies, so it's hard to miss.

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C'mon Les, flat's no fun! Roger on the need for a wetsuit...And old ladies scare me, so the otters are safe.

You're right, that is a lot of loot, but I plan to be using it for a while. I'm not ready to buy quite yet. I've got to clear the fun account augment request with COMNAVHOMEPAC. Notice I said AUGMENT vice FUND REALLOCATION. My Raider build is still going on! While permission is never necessary, peace keeping is always a advised! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the tips. We need to meet up when I get into town...

Don't forget to check Craig's list. I picked up a whitewater kayak for $125 that retailed for $800. I have 5 boats and not enough time to use them all. Also, call Outdoor Play. The guys there are very friendly and knowledgeable.

Check out the article on extreme kayak fishing. Can't wait to try it this summer! Extreme

Pete

Thanks Pete. I've been looking on CL (that's where I started). The problem is that people seem to think their "barely used, made only one trip" kayaks are worth only slightly less than new prices.

The Monterey store Les listed offers 60 days of unlimited access to any rental and class attendance for $250. Then, the $250 is taken out of the price of the kayak you purchase from them if you decide to do so. Sounds pretty enticing! Some classes are ABSOLUTELY in order to get me started, I think. Re-entry and efficient paddling techniques I DON'T have. If I'm going to take my son out, I want to be the best equipped I can be for his sake...

Thoughts?

On last tip, stay in the Kayak and near the kelp beds. We are in the Red Triangle so I don't recommend fishing from your Kayak. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

What's a "Red Triangle"?

You asked

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Triangle_(Pacific_Ocean)

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?page=24

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That's good to know. Not really all that scary, but ABSOLUTELY something to be aware of. I had no idea...You dive in the bay, Les?

That website you posted has some classes I want to take. We'll see how much time I have with my NPS course load. You been doing any wheeling lately? Are you still in school?

Pete, it looks like Monterey may be a great place to start your EXTREME experience! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Classes are essential. I didn't have that option in my area so I taught myself using Nigel Foster DVD's.

Pete

I figured as much. We have a sailing and outdoor recreation center that rents kayaks and sailboats here on base in Sasebo. I know they offer sailing lessons, but have to check into the kayak stuff. I'm on leave for a month here with nothing to do, so any classes that are available, I'm takin' 'em...